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Monday, February 1, 2010

To write or not to write, is that a question?

B.J. Anderson posed the question: Why do we write? And she turned it into a contest.

I have to say I'm just wired that way. For instance, I was walking on Venice Beach, shooting pictures, when I overheard the gulls chatting. My brain said:

the gulls erupted

in a chorus of laughter,

yelps and whistles

A little later, I noticed that when the tide rushing in met the tide flowing out, it created something new. I wrote in the tiny notebook that lives in my pocket:

The wrestling tide sent up a rooster tail of spray.

I love the sense of wonder I feel when my mind gives me new imagery or introduces me to some fascinating character who sweeps into my life and dogs my steps--even if it makes me loopy in public. How about you? Don't forget to visit B.J. to enter her cool contest.

34 comments:

I write because I love that feeling, that rush you get when all you can think of are words. That feeling when you're doing something else (like, say, the wretchedness that is laundry) and you just *have* to leave it and go and write something down. That's the part I love. That's why I write.

Oh, and by the way? Whatever the reason, I'm so glad you write! You have a way with words.

Okay, I want to live where you live. You have the best photographs. Oh to be surrounded by such scenery! Sometimes I feel desperate for the sea.

I write for a number of reasons, I guess, not the least of which is because I can (although, not always easily). But there's a longing that tugs--sometimes claws--at me to release my word thoughts. There's so much in there, just waiting, waiting...stories, people, desires, fantasies, scenery--dreams that sometimes seem not entirely mine. I don't know if I'm any good at it. I just don't. But sometimes, a longing exists regardless of sensibility or practicality or even sanity. And there are few greater sadnesses than longings unfulfilled, perhaps.

Sarah: Yes, the rush. It is fantastic. And, 'by the way' back at ya, I'm so glad you write, too. I love reading your clever words.

Carolina: One of the great things about California is you can get to extraordinary scenery fairly quickly--from sea to mountains to deserts.Whoa, you created such a picture of stuff clawing to get out. What an artwork that would be! And I think you are right that we would regret not doing it, no matter what.

Victoria: Wow, that's a wonderful thing to say. I feel honored if I inspire anyone. :)

Isn't it amazing how being a writer gives you permission to look at the world in an entirely different way? It's sort of like going through your life nearsighted and then all of the sudden putting on glasses that give you 20/20 vision.

I write in fits. When in one of my fits I write tons. The rest of the time I'm observing, collecting, my brain becoming a kind of simmering cauldon where words and ideas are cooking. Suddenly there will be a bubble that rises to the surface and bursts, sending out a wonderful aroma. And that's when I have another writing fit. I've been like this my whole life.

Honestly, why does anyone take the path they take? Why become a cop, a preacher, a doctor, a lawyer? I just love to write and create stories and escape away into the little world I made up all by myself. It's nice there; they know me there!!

And I agree with VR, you still make beautiful words when you see wonderous scenery.

Tricia, I love coming to your blog. Your words are always so lovely and peaceful. This might be an overly simplistic answer, but I write because it makes me happy. I'm young and make mistakes all the time and I'm never sure about anything in life, but this is the only thing that I feel certain about. It's my safety net, like a bowl of chicken noodle soup after a cold day in the world.

Pat, I write because I must. Well, anyway, you know why I write. I love your answer. Especially the part about being loopy in public. =) The pic is simply beautiful too. I wanna be there. Riding one of my horses. Hmmm, I feel a story coming on. Um, gotta go deep into this world. Talk to you soon. (^_^)

I write because I can't not write. I tried to. Told myself all those little things my brain was telling me sucked just so I wouldn't have to write them down. Fear of taking a chance, big time. Over that now. Still finding some of my brain sparks suck, but at least it's not all of them. Would probably have better ideas if I lived in CA. That picture is so awesomely beautiful!

Why I love fantasy

William Alexander, quoted Ursula Le Guin in accepting the National Book Award for his fantasy novel, Goblin Secrets: "The literature of the imagination is important because it gives us a world large enough to contain alternatives, and it gives us hope."

Why I'm Here

I love stories--writing them, reading them, talking about them. So I'm here to do that and meet people who like the same thing. My official name is Patricia J. O'Brien. On this blog I'm Tricia. I used to be a features writer for a daily newspaper (aka Pat), so I know how to do an interview and where to stick a semicolon.